Unveiling the Splendours
Introduction
In the realm of artistic expression, the Mughal School of Miniature Painting stands as a testament to the opulence and grandeur of India’s imperial past. This unique artistic tradition, born from the crossroads of cultures and nurtured by the patronage of various Mughal sultans, transcends time as a cherished gem in the tapestry of art history.
Origins and Characteristics of Mughal Miniature Painting
Emerging during the early 16th century, the Mughal School of Miniature Painting was a convergence of Persian, Indian, and Central Asian influences. It showcased intricate details, vibrant colours, and a meticulous attention to precision that mirrored the royal courts’ elegance and luxury. These miniature paintings were typically created on manuscripts, albums, and single sheets, combining calligraphy and illustration to create visually captivating narratives.
The origin of Mughal School of painting is considered to be a land mark in the history. Anew culture of painting developed under the patronage of Mughal rulers of Taimur dynasty in Bukhara and Samarkand and it reached its peak during the 15th century. Taimur gave due regard and importance to the artists in his court. Bihjad was the best artist among all the painters of that time.
Babur was from Taimur family, founder of Mughal Empire in India. Babur was mostly in the battle field and died in 1530 A.D. His son Humyun had to spend 13 years in exile in Iran after being pushed out by SherShahSuri from India. Humayun was also busy in battle but he got the painting of Dastan – a- ameer Hamza done his time. He had two famous artists in his court who came from Kabul namely Saiyyad Ali (of Tabrez) and Khawaja Abdussamad (of Shiraz) from Bihjad School of art. Humayun died in 1555 or 1556 A.D. after ascending the throne of Delhi and left his son Akbar, only child as his successor.
Akbar was only 13-year-old at that time. Emperor Akbar was keenly interested in the art of painting and architecture as well as sculpture also. Akbar had a broad vision. The Mughal School of painting was organized at its zenith during this time. A large number of Indian Artists from all over India were recruited to work in his court. There are many manuscripts that were illustrated in his time. They are………
THE TAWARIKH-E- KHANDAN-E- TEMURIA, 2.THE RAZMA NAMA 3. THE RAMAYANA, 4.THE BAKAT- BABURI 5. THE AKBAR NAMA, 6. THE ANWAR-E-SUNAHELI, 7. THE AYAR-DANISH, 8. THE NAL DAMYANTI, 9. THE CHANGAZ NAMA, 10. THE ZAFAR NAMA, 11. THE AINE AKBARI.12. THE HAMZA NAMA.
According to the Ain-e -Akbari of Abul fazal, during that period, about 1400 events had been painted, out of which few are available now. Akbar had started a new religion Deen – e- Ilahi the aim was of which was to compromise or Suleh Kul. He became very popular in a very short time because of his greatness and liberality. Mir Saiyyad ali, Khwaja Abdussamad, Bihzad, bhag, Miskin, Basavan, Manohar, Daulat, Mansur, Kesu, Lal, Dasawan, Shankar Goverdhan and Inayat etc. are very impartment and famous painters of Akbar’s court or atelier.
Jahangir, son of Akbar, was a great lover of art and nature. The Mughal miniature reached a very high level of excellence in his period. He encourages his painters. As a result, a number of paintings were painted of birds, flower, and animals in his time. Portrait painting became very popular during his time and attained heights of refinement. We even find some portraits of ladies illustrated in his time.
Famous painter of Jahangir’s times is Ustad Mansoor (bird’s painter), Abul Hassan (Animal and portrait painter), Bichitra (Symbolic painter), Bishan Das, Balchand, Mukhlis, Daulat, Riza, Bhim, and Inayt. Under Jahangir’s patronage, Painting acquired greater charm, refinement and dignity. He had great fascination for nature and took delight in the portrait of birds, animals and flowers. The anwar –e –sunahli, is another fable book. The portrait of Jahangir illustrated is a typical example of miniatures executed during the period of Jahangir. This miniature is in the collection of the national museum, New Delhi.
After the death of Jahangir, shahjahan became the emperor of the Mughal Empire in 1626. But he did not patronize painting like his father he was a lover of architecture. He got so many forts, palaces and mosques constructed. The Taj Mahel, red fort of Agra etc. the art of painting went on in Jahangir style in Shahajahan’s time also. But the standard was not as high as it was during Jahangir’s period. The art of painting saw downfall in the time of shahjahan because of the traditional and hackneyed style.
Aurangzeb came as a fanatic Muslim ruler. He was a bitter enemy of painting and music. Most of the artist went to hills where they got shelter and after reaching there they invented a rare new style of painting which is known as Pahari School of art. In this way the Mughal painting saw its end during the time of Aurangzeb.
During the period of Bahadurshah, there was a revival of Mughal painting after the neglect shown by Aurangzeb. The style showed an improvement in quality. After 1712 A.D. the Mughal painting again started deteriorating under the later Mughals. Though retaining the outer form, it became lifeless and lost the inherent quality of the earlier Mughal Art. Finally, the glorious period of Mughal Miniatures Art came to an end the early 18th century. So, we can say that Mughal Art originated with Mughals, developed with Mughals and ended with Mughal rule in India.
Evolution Through Different Mughal Sultans
1. Babur (1526-1530)
The founder of the Mughal Empire, Babur, laid the foundation for the Mughal School of Miniature Painting. His reign witnessed the fusion of Persian and Indian artistic elements. His patronage marked the early development of this art form, characterized by delicate lines and harmonious colors.
2. Humayun (1530-1540, 1555-1556)
Humayun’s fascination with Persian art further enriched the Mughal miniature tradition. His exile in Persia exposed him to the Safavid style, which found its way into Mughal art. Under his rule, artists began to experiment with new techniques, like chiaroscuro and perspective, adding depth to their compositions.
3. Akbar (1556-1605)
One of the most influential patrons of Mughal art, Akbar, took the school to new heights. He encouraged artists from diverse backgrounds to contribute, resulting in a fusion of indigenous, Persian, and European techniques. During his reign, the art evolved to depict a more lifelike representation of subjects, and the themes expanded to include courtly life, flora, fauna, and even religious narratives.
4. Jahangir (1605-1627)
Jahangir’s rule ushered in a period of refined elegance in Mughal miniature painting. His love for nature and portraiture led to the depiction of intricate flowers, animals, and human subjects with astonishing realism. The colors became softer, and the compositions more nuanced, reflecting the emperor’s appreciation for beauty in all its forms.
5. Shah Jahan (1628-1658)
Shah Jahan’s reign witnessed a continuation of the artistic splendor of his predecessors. However, the art during this time began to adopt a more ethereal and romantic quality. The miniatures started to feature dreamy landscapes and celestial scenes, often symbolizing the emperor’s desire for harmony and serenity.
6. Aurangzeb (1658-1707)
Under the rule of Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire began to decline, and this transition was also reflected in the art. The paintings became simpler and less elaborate, mirroring the austere nature of Aurangzeb’s reign. The focus shifted from opulence to moral and religious themes.
Legacy and Influence
The Mughal School of Miniature Painting’s influence extended beyond the Mughal Empire’s borders. It laid the groundwork for various regional schools of art across India, such as the Rajput and Pahari styles, which adapted and reinterpreted the Mughal techniques to suit their own cultural contexts.
Conclusion
The Mughal School of Miniature Painting stands as a testament to the artistic brilliance and cultural fusion that defined the Mughal Empire. The journey of its evolution through the reigns of different sultans offers a glimpse into the changing dynamics of the empire and the shifting artistic priorities. As we marvel at these intricately crafted miniatures today, we pay homage to the legacy of a bygone era that continues to captivate and inspire generations.